IT was once best known for its on-screen partnership between Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman.

And it has become an afternoon institution for millions of fans.

Now friends and fans of the television programme Countdown are invited to take part in a special tournament on Saturday, July 6 at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

Using big screen graphics, players can take to the “virtual set” and pit themselves against the iconic clock – and each other – from the morning heats through to the grand final.

And they will also be raising money for good causes, which have included cancer charities in the past.

Organisers Jeff Clayton, 27, and James Robinson, 25, are both former winners on the show and have staged a version of the show elsewhere for players of all ages.

Jeff, who has delivered similar events in the Midlands and the North West over the last five years and raised money for good causes, points out that the format is a lot like what you see on the television.

“We get everyone involved and play the games ‘as live’.

“It’s not just about the rounds, it’s a very social event and there is plenty of time across the day to stop for a cuppa – and then have something stronger afterwards.”

James, from nearby Mirfield and a keen supporter of Huddersfield Town FC , added: “We ran this particular event for the first time last summer and it drew 30 people from as far afield as London and Glasgow.

“We don’t run these events for profit, but everyone knows Countdown and we’re confident that with its popular appeal, we can build on last year’s success.

“And as a nod to my team, the Terriers, the virtual Countdown set that you’ll see on the big screen uses Town’s blue and white home colours for the background.”

Admission costs £25 per person, or £45 for two, and includes tea/coffee on arrival and a sandwich lunch.

Doors open at 9am for a 10am start, everyone plays six matches across the day and the event concludes at around 6.30pm with handing out the prizes, which include specially commissioned trophies and glassware.

Jeff adds: “The aim is always to entertain and inform and it’s all the better for getting people involved – everyone gets a chance to pick the letters and the numbers, for instance.”

For details contact Jeff Clayton on 07595 690 249 or emailjeffrey_clayton@hotmail.com, or search for “Countdown in Huddersfield 2013” on Facebook.

FACTFILE

The TV show is based on a French programme “Des Chiffres et des Lettres”

It first aired on TV on November 2,1982

There have been more than 5,700 episodes, with the programme filmed in Yorkshrie for many years

Richard Whiteley was host for 20 years and has since been followed by Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling and Nick Hewer

The programme gave Carol Vorderman her big TV break when she was in the show from 1982 to 2008